***Digger Wins The Gravesend By A Nose Over Pashito the Che—Joey P. Runs Better But Faltered Late Finishing Far Back***
Speedy Joey P. will try to bounce back in his second race back from emergency intestinal surgery last spring. Joey P. ran a lack luster 6th in the Valley Forge at Philadelphia Park on December 9. The 7-year-old faces five others–including an entry in the Gravesend. A win would put him over the 1 million dollar mark in career earnings. The field will include Scott Lake’s hot Pashito the Che who has won three straight and ripped a strong 5 furlong breeze in 58 seconds on December 16. Gold Trippi will be making his first start since November 4. He ran against some tough company last summer and cuts back to 6 furlongs. Laysh Laysh Laysh a winner of three straight — two straight since being claimed by Sydney Dutrow– is one of two horses in the race to run over the Big A inner–Joey P. the other. Starforaday was an impressive winner two back in the slop on the Big A’s main track. Repole Stables sends out the entry of Digger and The Roundhouse. Digger makes first start since October 29 and sports sharp works for his return. Has plenty of speed and will look to use it early. The Roundhouse makes his second start in a row at 6 furlongs. He ran well in his return to sprinting last time and makes his third start off the layoff for the hot Todd Pletcher. He will look to rally late. This is a nice little race. 3-year-old Pashito the Che will try to make it four straight wins against a few salty veterans in the Gravesend. Rain is expected–however everyone should have no issue running over a wet track. The Gravesend is Race 3 at Aqueduct on Saturday.
Joey P.
